Community Accountability Programs Information ... - Ministry of Justice

clarify the offender’s version of the incident until agreement is reachedabout what happened.2. The victim and his or her supporters then talk about the effects of theoffence on them.3. The offender’s support group also talk about how the incident affectedthem.4. With the help of the facilitator, the group achieves consensus on anagreement that describes the actions needed to repair the harm andaddress the offender’s behaviour.HEALING CIRCLES/CIRCLE REMEDY APPROACHESCircle remedies use traditional First Nations justice methods to resolvecriminal behaviour. The circle is an inclusive process in which the entirecommunity is encouraged to express thoughts and feelings about anoffence and participate in finding a remedy that will promote healing. Thecircle also often functions as a pre-sentence advisory process for the court.A circle can be used as a forum for the offender, victim, members of thejustice system, and the community to collectively decide on consequencesfor an offence. The goal of the circle is to restore balance and harmony tothe community. It creates an atmosphere of equality and is thus consideredto be conducive to healing.First Nations elders play a key role in circle remedies as their life experienceand knowledge guide all aspects of community life and they are held in highregard for their wisdom. After speaking to the offender about his or herharmful behaviour, the elders consider the nature of the offence, its impacton the victim, and the concerns of the other participants. The remedy theychoose is intended to promote healing for all parties and re-integrate theoffender into the community.NEIGHBOURHOOD ACCOUNTABILITY BOARDS/PANELSNeighbourhood accountability boards determine appropriate sanctions foroffenders who have committed crimes in the community. The board usuallyconsists of three trained community members who meet with the offenderand his or her family. Often the victim and his or her support group areinvolved as well. The community members hear from all parties present,and the circumstances of the crime are discussed. These panels alsoattempt to identify and address the underlying problems that may havecontributed to the criminal behaviour.Restorative Justice: Promoting Community-Based Responses to Crime 11